Club News Update 

to add any news please email webmaster@croydonjudo.com 

Surrey League Champions! 4 November 2011

 

Surrey League Champions

 

National, County and Welsh Success 2 November 2011

 

Following excellent medal winning performances by Coloma schoolgirls and Croydon club training partners Mairead Jackson and Sophie Roots at the Heart of England and the British Judo Association National Championships the girls are celebrating receiving their confirmation of National Squad Places, Mairead as a Cadet and Sophie in the younger age category at Pre- Cadet.

 

This inspirational result gave the younger members the incentive to continue the winning streak at the last of this years 4 British Judo Association Surrey County Closed events, where points are earned for entering and extra points gained for a medal placing.

 

The juniors managed to achieve a good batch of medals with Kobi Allspach-Blades, Logan Roots and Adam Khakiev winning Gold, Alkhast Shakhmurzaeu, Bobby Stutter and Emilio Cross-Songui gaining Silver with brother Javier Cross-Songui, Callum Roseweir and Oliver Middleton earning Bronze. When the points for all the competitions this year were totalled up members had another reason to celebrate with Croydon over 30 points in front of all the other Surrey Club to win the League Trophy.

 

Not to be outshone senior club member Ashley Parrette travelled down the M4 to take part in this years Welsh Open Championships where he achieved a very creditable third place Bronze medal in the Masters event.

 

All of these results will be celebrated in full at the clubs Diamond Jubilee Dinner at the Croydon Park Hotel on November 12th when members past and present will join with friends and relations to commemorate the club’s fantastic 60 years of Judo. 

 

Croydon Judo Players Earn Success 1 November 2011

 

Moving up a level Clement Li Raphael entered the British Championships 'A' band in Nottingham and came back with a well earned Bronze medal.

 

Following on from this, two girls entered the main event at Ice Sheffield.  Mairead Jackson competed in the girls cadet u63kg category giving an excellent performance. Unfortunately she was forced to withdraw just prior to the medals when sustaining an injury to her shoulder, ending the day just outside the placings.  Team mate and training partner Sophie Roots entered the Pre- Cadet under 63kg category producing another fine performance wining through to her final with maximum scores.  The Gold and number Championship Title come to the Croydon Player with a massive O Goshi for Ippon within the first minute of the contest. 

The squad of junior and senior competitors were hosted by families from the Dutch Kreijtz Judo Club continuing a tradition established over past years when the bi-annual sports link ran over several sports in both towns.

 

Fun (and a bit damp!) Day 16 July 2011

 

Warm up gamesBBQ in the rainCakes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It may have been a bit wet today, but that in no way dampened the enthusiasm of the junior and senior players and their friends and family who turned out for the club's annual Summer (!) Competition and Fun Day.

 

The morning saw Juniors or all ages, grades and experience taking to the mat, initially for warm up games under the watchful of Sensei Joe, and then for their tournament.  The first fight up was a 'grudge' match between friends Tomas Luckus of Croydon Judo Club and Edwin from Dutch Kreijtz Judo Club in Arnhem; congratulations to Tomas!

 

Following the competition there were refreshments (boy there were cakes!) and BBQ, as well as raffles, before the medals were presented.  Huge thanks to all the volunteers who helped make the day a success - whether on the mat, outside (in the rain) running the BBQ, supplying and serving refreshments, and helping with the raffle.  Without them, the day just would not have happened.

 

During the afternoon Friday Senior coach Rob Murly laid on a Senior Club Competition.  It was the first in quite a few years, and Alfie Dixon walked away with the Bridgestock Lock Croydon Judo Club Senior Championship Trophy.  Well done to all who took part, and big thanks to Sensei's Sid Hearsey for refereeing (having already refereed for the Juniors) and Mike Smith who took on much of the organising.

 

BBQ helpersMedal presentations 2Medal presentations

Results Update 1 July 2011

 

Player Southern Area Orange Open 12th June Sussex Red Belt
19th June
Kent International
25th/ 26th June
Arnhem London Youth Games
Kobi Allspach-Blades Bronze        
Clement Li Raphael Gold   Bronze    
Joseph Ferguson   Bronze      
Tomas Luckus       Gold Gold
Alkhast Shakhmurzaev Silver        
Adam Khakiev     Silver   Bronze
Logan Roots Bronze        
Alejandro (Alex) Aramendia   Bronze      
Jacob Scarse   Bronze      
Ben Fifield Bronze        
Mairead Jackson Gold     Silver Gold
Sophie Roots Silver   Silver   Gold
Safiyyah Choudry Bronze        
Chetna Kihera Gold        
Amy Butler         Silver
Estell Agrippa Gold        
Martin Parris         Gold
Alfie Dixon     Silver Bronze  
Tim Kay       Bronze  
Ben Miller       Silver  
Brian Weeks       Silver  

 

No Kidding! 21 June 2011

 

Congratulations to Ashley Parrette who competed in the under 90 category of the Samurai Masters event in the Kidderminster on Sunday 19 June.

 

Croydon Judo Club’s Arnhem Link 9 June 2011

 

Croydon Judo Club Chairman Alan Rickard headed a mixed team of players and support staff who travelled to the Boroughs twin town of Arnhem recently competing in their annual Judo Championships.

The squad of junior and senior competitors were hosted by families from the Dutch Kreijtz Judo Club continuing a tradition established over past years when the bi-annual sports link ran over several sports in both towns.

 

To read more, and see photos of the trip, click here (496kb)

 

Medals Galore 8 June 2011

 

Huge congratulations to players who have recently had medal success ... and there are a lot of them!  Well done to all.  If I've made any typing errors, or omitted players or competitions, please do email me with the details.

 

Player Surrey Trials
1st May
Kent Red and Yellow Belt Rumble 21st May Kent Kyu Championships
22nd May
Kobi Allspach-Blades Bronze Gold and trophy for 'Throw of the Day'  
Clement Li Raphael Gold    
Alkhast Shakhmurzaev Gold    
Adam Khakiev Gold    
Harvey Steadman   Bronze  
Jacob Scarse   Silver  
Harry Beck Gold    
Sean Earley Bronze    
Romy Pitt Bronze    
Sophie Roots Silver    
Safiyyah Choudry Silver Silver  
Chetna Kihera Silver    
Chloe Hapsan Bronze    
Amy Butler Gold    
Katrina Lea Silver    
Hanna Weigelin Gold    
Ecchin Ashirou Bronze    
Byron Mitchell Bronze   Gold
Martin Parris Bronze    
Alfie Dixon Bronze   Gold
Alex Miller Gold    
Vali Brandao Silver    
Sri Ravshanker Silver    
Ben Miller Silver    
Brian Week Silver    

 

 

Shining on a Gray day 1 June 2011

 

Congratulations to club coach Nicola Gray for gaining her 1st Dan grade earlier this year.  Apologies for the lack of photo.  I do have one in my possession, but I fear that even my anonymity would not protect me if I used it!  Well done Nicola.

 

Pauling Power! 15 April 2011 *** Corrections ***

 

Paul and PaulHuge congratulations to Paul Cavallo and Paul Davis for gaining their 1st Dan grades.  Richly deserved, and not just because they are great judo players; they are generous and encouraging to all their fellow players.

 

Paul Davis has also been gracious enough to allow us to put up the YouTube link to his fights.  If you're wondering what a grading looks like, or just want to see some good judo, certainly worth a look ...

 

http://www.youtube.com/user/paulyd101

 

Congrats also go to all those who competed in the South Coast Kyu Dan and Masters Split Grade Open back in February. Gold to Sergei, Silver medals to Matthew Tibbs (U71), Dan Ruso (U81) and Paul Davis (U90).  Vali Brandao (U90) won a Gold and a Bronze medal, and Ashley Parrette (U90) who won two Silvers!

 

Note: If there are others out there who have had recent success, please let me know by emailing the webmaster as the above address.

 

Nothing short of an inspiration 24 October Eddie Hughes October 2010

 

"Enjoy it!" was the simple advice given to those who were gathered.  "I've been doing Judo for 42 years, and have enjoyed every moment of it" said 2nd Dan Eddie Hughes who has now officially retired from Judo.  Eddie began at Croydon Judo Club as a junior, and as then coach and now head coach and club chairman recalls "once he hit 15 it all clicked".

 

And so it seemed fitting that his friends at Croydon marked his retirement with a presentation of a samurai sword.  Croydon coach and friend Danny Harper named him as once of the key influences in his Judo career, saying "he was the one who truly showed me what competitive Judo was all about".

 

Eddie kindly agreed to step out of retirement to run Rob Murly's regular Friday night seniors session.  Many of Eddie friends turned out, but it was also a treat for those who may not have met him, but who know him through techniques (and stories!) that continued to be shared by other coaches at the club.

 

After moving down to Eastbourne, Eddie founded Parkfield Judo Club in 1999, meeting initially in the function above a pub (you can take a man out of Croydon ...!), handing over the coaching reins to Rob Grinstead (1st Dan) in 2004.

 

Friday was also an opportunity to celebrate another success, as Croydon's Danny Harper recently gained his 5th Dan - a phenomenal achievement.  Well done Danny.

 

Click here for more photos from the night. 

 

New Friends 5 October 2010

Harris and ASD Jigoro Kano Club visit

 

Croydon Judo Club were privileged to host our friends from Harris Judo Club  - now based at Woolwich Barracks – and their guests, a squad from the Italian Club A.S.D. Jigoro Kano.  “We had a total of 36 on the mat which was a great.  It was a very relaxed session, and the visitors were real gentlemen!” said Rob Murly, our regular Friday night seniors' coach.

 

Harris' friendship to A.S.D. - a club based on the beautiful Adriatic Coast - was quite literally sealed in marriage, and goes back a number of years.

 

A.S.D.’s chief coach (and regional director of the Italian Judo Association), 4th Dan Sergio Linardelli, seen here shaking Rob’s hand, presented Croydon with their association pendant at the end of the session, whilst each of our visitors left sporting a Croydon Judo Club badge!  "It was a very enjoyable evening, and we hope to see them again sometime".

 

Well done also to the regulars at The Windmill who look somewhat startled to find 20 or so judo players joining them afterwards.

 

 Harris Judo Club: http://www.harrisjudo.talktalk.net/ A.S.D. Jigoro Kano: http://www.asdjigorokano.it/

 

 

Welsh Success 28 August

 

Huge (and belated!) congratulations to the Croydon players who competed in the British Open for Grand Masters in Cardiff on 28th August.  Ashley Parrette (who regularly assists with the junior coaching on Friday nights) took Bronze in the men's under 90kg category.  Dan Ruso also took Bronze in the men's under 81kg, as did Joe Williams in the men's over 100kg.  Congratulations to all.

 

August Bank Holiday Bexhill Judo Club visit and BBQ

Bexhill Club visit and BBQ

 

 

 

 

Do you have any photos from the visit to our friends at Bexhill Judo Club or the BBQ at Alan's place?  If so, please forward them to the webmaster.

 

Recent happenings 4 August 2010

 

Warm up games at Summer Competition

It's always a privilege to celebrate the achievements of our players.  In judo gaining your 1st Dan is a big one, so a huge well done to Iain Greenwood for getting his at a recent visit to the Budokwai; a talented player and a real asset to the club.  Congratulations also go to 2nd Kyu Martin Parris - a regular player and volunteer - who has recently passed his level 2 Junior Officials Refereeing Award.  Well done guys.

 

Summer competition awards July 10Club Secretary Sheila Hearsey would like to pass on her thanks to all those who helped at the recent Addiscombe fair where the club ran displays and 'come and try' sessions.  "They were all stars" she says.

 

Also thanks to all those who turned up to and cheered on the juniors at the club's summer competition and fun day.  Many of you donated prizes and food, and more importantly were able to support some of the possible judo stars of the future show off their skill; some getting their first ever taste of a competition.

 

South Coast successes ...

Yellow belts & over (Girls):  -28kgs Gold Saffiyyah Choudry, -57kgs Gold Amy Butler, Silver Romy Pitt, +57kgs Gold Mairead Jackson

Yellow belts & over (Boys):  -30kgs Silver Ben St Clair-Gray, -34kgs Gold Adam Khakiev, Silver Clement Le Raphael   

Red belts (Girls):  -32kgs Gold Cheyenne Petruska, -36kgs Gold Chetna Khera

Red belts (Boys):  -46kgs Silver Alkhast Shakhmurzaeu

Men:  -73kgs Gold Byron Mitchell, Bronze Martin Parris 

 

Proud parents, relatives coaches and players ... keep the news coming (email webmaster@croydonjudo.com)

 

Visits galore 1st May 2010 David Miliband and Tessa Jowell visit

 

In April Foreign Secretary David Miliband and Tessa Jowell, Minister for the Olympics, visited the club and the Sir Phillip Game Centre.

 

Addiscombe Labour Candidate Patricia Hay-Justice said "Croydon should be grateful to Alan, Shelia and their team of volunteers for the work that they do. They make a real difference to people lives, and the work they do is inspiring".

 

Over the last few weeks the club has also played host to Craig Fallon, former World, European and Commonwealth Champion, when he ran a master class as part of the BJA Youth Development Initiative.

The club was also priviledged to once again welcome Mr Y. Iura (Kodokan 7th Dan) - one of the worlds top kata experts - as he ran a two-day Ju-no-kata and Katame-No-Kata BJA National Kata course.

  

Calling all judoka ... any photos of these events will be gratefully received!

 

The highIights 9 February 2010

 

All may have been quiet on the website recently - apologies for that, and thanks to my colleague on the Doughnut Website (Croydon Judo's Kidzone) for keep us all up-to-date - but much has happened over the last few months.  Prior to Christmas two of our young people - Edgar Polovinkins and Jacob Onyango - were nominated to received the last Jack Petchey Achievement Awards of 2009 (photos to follow soon).  These players have been singled out, not just for their ability on the mats, but for their attitude and encouragement of others, and for contributing much to the life of the club; congratulations.

 

Just prior to the club Christmas holiday - where all our coaches and volunteers get to put the zori up for a few days - the club held its annual club championships, presentations and party.  It is always a fantastic excuse to celebrate the achievement of our players and encourage them on to greater things in 2010.  Well done especially to those for whom this was their first competition experience; we hope you've developed a taste for it!  With a number of competitions either having taken place already this year, or fast approaching, we are confident that there will be many successes to celebrate in 2010.

 

Proud parents, relatives coaches and players ... keep the news coming (email webmaster@croydonjudo.com)

 

A Night Amongst the Stars 11 October 2009

 

Hackey Empire was full to the brim with talented young people and their friends and family last Thursday as over 160 recent Jack Petchey award winners were presented with their medallions in an event organisedJack Petchey event Oct09 to recognise and celebrate their achievements.  More than 38 organisations - including sports clubs, youth clubs, art and cultural groups - were present, including 3 Croydon Judo Club members; Naeem Nunes, Martin Parris and Meyko Matsumoto.

 

As well as the presentations themselves, a variety of entertainment was laid on - from singers and dancers - itself an inspiration to those present to push themselves to achieve their dreams and goals.

 

"This is the true face of young people ... and don't let anyone tell you any different" said Chris Bullock, a Grants Officers for the foundation.  Here, here!

 

All photos courtesy of the Jack Petchey Foundation: www.jackpetcheyfoundation.org.uk

 

"I saw some beautiful Judo" 5 October 2009

 

The words of one supporter at this weekend's 2009 British Masters Championships.  5 Croydon players entered, with 3 walking away with some metal.  Ashley - who fought in his first competition in 18 years! - took Silver in the under 90kgs, catching Vali Brandao, who took Bronze, with an Uchi Mata.  Matthew Tibbs, who was recently awarded his Dan grade, walked away with Silver in the under 66kgs, whilst Dan Ruso landed 5th place in the under 81kgs and 'Bomber' McCullom was forced to withdraw following an injury.  Well done to all, and thanks - as always - for being willing to pass on your experience.

 

A late summer 17 September 2009

 

It's been a long time coming, but finally we're proud to announce the latest winners of the Jack Petchey Achievement Award.  They are ... drum roll please ... Martin Parris and Amy Butler.  As most will know this award is given to those aged between 11 and 25 who have excelled in judo or who have brought something special to the life of the club.

 Latest Jack Petchey awards - summer 2009

Three times a year club members, parents and volunteers can nominate a player.  The nominations are then used by a committee (made up mostly of previous winners) who decide who should be recognised in this way.  Amy was nominated for being an unceasing encouragement to all, players and coaches alike; in fact her permanent smile was mentioned on more than one occasion!

One parent came up to me in person and explained the reason for nominating Martin; Martin had been hugely supportive to his young daughter when she entered a recent competition; the pre-fight talk, cheering her on from the side of the mat and making going out of his way to give vital encouragement at the end.  This is what the Jack Petchey scheme is all about!

 

The winners are awarded a framed certificate, pin and a cheque (on behalf of the club) for £200 each.  Martin and Amy have decided that the money should be spent on a new DVD player and a whole range of training DVDs for use at the club.  They are also joining previous winners at a central awards event early next month - watch this space.

 

It's a good night from me, and a good night from him! 10 September 2009

 

Good luck to those who are off to Uni.  These include Iain Greenwood, James Jeffries, Hannah Eldridge and Priyanga 'Pre' Perera (forgive me if I've missed out someone).  They've been brilliant role models for our younger (and older) players, and have been great fun to be around.  We wish them every successThey may never write, they may never call, but it's our hope that we'll see them on the mats during the holidays.

 

Not even a Postcard! 13 September 2009

 

Apologies for the lack of news over the summer.  Many of our players have been far from lazing on beaches (at least for the whole time!), and I hope to get some results and news up in the coming days.  Until then, well done to all those who competed in the Southern Area trials this weekend, and other competitions through the summer holidays.

 

South of England Open 22 June 2009

 

Club Secretary Sheila Hearsey sent in the following report; alas no photos yet (such is the life of a table official!)

 

"The Southern Area Open Junior & Youth Championships at K2 Crawley last Sunday (14th June) was a good event for Croydon players.  In the 8/9 year -25kgs Safiyya Choudry gained Silver, and friend of the club James Johnson won Gold in the -27kgs group.  In the 10/11 year old group James’ sister Sophie Johnson won the -40kg category as did Croydon's Edgars Polovinkins in the -42kg category.

 

Fighting in the 12/13 year old group, Naeem Nunns won the Gold in the -73kg category, whilst Mairead Jackson took Silver in the -63kgs and Tomas Luckus also gained a well deserved Silver in the -46kgs.  In the Youth event William Johnson won the -50kg Gold with Michael Barton taking Bronze in the -81kg.

 

Well done to all our players on their achievements.  Sheila" 

Steve Smith Masterclass 5 June 2009
Steve Smith demonstrating Uchi Mata

Friday night seniors were privileged to have guest coach Smith Smith 2nd Dan putting them through their paces last night.  The class, comprising a wide range of grades and experience, benefited from Steve's expert demonstrations, particularly his Uchi Mata and Sangaku Jime, but of course like every training session at the club, it was far from just theory!


An equally enjoyable part of the evening was the curry that followed!  Thanks to Steve Smith for the coaching and to Rob Murly, the regular Friday night coach, for arranging it.


C
lick here to see photos from the evening

Croydon takes on the continent 2 June 2009

 

This weekend 11 players and 2 coaches boarded a mini-bus and headed for Holland for a weekend of pampering and relaxation; yeah, right!  Far from relaxing, our players took part in the 13th Internationale KAN-judotoernooi which, for those whose Dutch is not what it should be, is a major European competition demanding theHolland 2009 very best in Judo.

 

The party from Croydon returned home with 3 medals.  Katrina McDonald walked away with Silver in the over 70kgs, friend of the club William Johnson (Yoshin Ryu, Coulsdon) achieved Bronze in the under 50kgs and Priyanga 'Pre' Perera took Bronze in the under 60kgs with arguably the best throw of the day - a perfectly executed ankle sweep.

 

Of course it wasn't all work, and the team from Croydon were also treated to some much appreciated Dutch hospitality.  It also wasn't without it's hitches as the exhaust pipe on the mini-bus decided that it wanted to stay a while longer in Holland!  But with some good fortune (and breakdown cover!), the trip was little affected.

 

Also worthy of a mention is Naeem Nunes and Meyko Matsumoto, our latest Jack Petchey Achievement Award winners, who subsidised the cost of the trip by nominating that the majority of the £400 award money they received last month.  As you can appreciate, the cost of these trips only ever increase, so their contribution was a real help to the players.

 

Congratulations to all 11 players; roll-on the 14th internationale ...

Click here for a few pictures of the trip

 

Spring is in the air 15 May 2009

 

The club was proud to acknowledge two of it's members for their achievement and hardMike_with_Meyko work.  As part of the Jack Petchey Achievement Award scheme, club members, parents, coaches and other volunteers are able to vote for someone aged between 11 and 25 years who they think has made significant effort, had notable success, contributed to the life of the club or simply shown the real spirit of judo.  After at least two re-counts (and with one vote separating the top three awardees!) we are proud to have been able to present the spring term awards to Naeem Nunes and Meyko Matsumoto.Naeem_with_players

 

Many mentioned their consistent hard work and the kindness they show to other players.  Club coaches Sid Hearsey and Mike Smith presented the awards across two evenings last week at the players' regular training sessions.  They were each given a framed certificate, Jack Petchey pin and a cheque for £200 ... payable to club, of course.  Boxed medallions are also present to all the winners at our annual Christmas Championships and party.

 

All they have to do is decide where the money should be spent!  Previous winners have used Sid_with_Naeemthe money to recover our crash-mat, purchase a camcorder (for use at competitions and as a training aid) and various other items that have contributed to the running of the club, and we are grateful to the Jack Petchey Foundation for both the support and the excuse to celebrate the achievements of our players in this way.

 

Well done; and a big BIG thank you to all those who voted.

 

For more information about the Jack Petchey Foundation, visit their website at www.jackpetcheyfoundation.org.uk

 

Hisee at BJC Junior Nationals 10 May 2009

 

John made his annual pilgrimage to Hereford wearing his BJC hat, to participate in the councils junior nationals.  John fought in the over 71kg espoirs (16~18 years) category, which meant he competed against some pretty big opponents.  Considering he had spent very little time on the mat recently John didn't really expect to progress to far.  However, he managed to win his pool with some impressive displays against some strong opposition.

 

Having made the final John eventually succumbed to a very powerful opponent -  a BJA under 90kg squad national bronze medallist - thus ending the day with hard earned silver medal.  Having just recovered from a minor op and a shoulder injury, John hopes to get past impending exams and return to regular training soon.

 

Boris Johnson and Kate Hoey choose Croydon Judo 28 April 2009

 

Politics - as all differences - are usually left at the side of the mat, but today exceptions were made as the Mayor of London and his Sports Commissioner unveiled plans to significantly boost participation by Londoners of all ages and abilities in Launch of A Sporting Future for Londongrassroots sports. And they chose Croydon Judo Club to host the event!  There were many from the world of judo, sporting and public bodies who the mayor is relying on to deliver the "healthier, more active London" that the plan - A Sporting Future for London - calls for.

 "Our plan is supported by every key stakeholder" said Kate Hoey "and for the first time that I can recall there is a real and palpable sense that we are all pulling together in the right direction with one clear voice".Boris Johnson with Sid Hearsey

Many children were given permission from their school to attend this mornings launch, including groups from four schools some of whom had never before stepped on to the judo mats - precisely the people that this new initiative is aimed at.  Far from simply being an opportunity to have their photo taken, they were privileged to have National Squad players Alex Farbon and Jonathan Purssey, assisted by three of our own coaches, to put them well and truly through their paces.  Many of the first time players said that they were keen to come back!

 

In addition to showing off some of their judo talents, many of our young players were also interviewed by journalists and were able to give their unique perspective on the plans unveiled today.

 

Sheila Hearsey received Jack Petchey Leaders AwardTowards the end of the morning we were also pleased that one of our very own Sheila Hearsey was awarded a Jack Petchey Leaders Award for her contribution to the lives of a great many young people over more than thirty years of volunteering for the club.  Sheila - not normally one for a fuss - was delighted to receive the award (a boxed medallion and frame certificate) from the Mayor and Roy McLeod from the Jack Petchey Foundation.  Special thanks to the Mayor's Office for enabling this to take place  The award also comes with a cheque for £1,000 which will go, it is rumoured, towards hosting teams of young people from across the channel for an inter-club visit.

 

 

Click here to see photos from today's launch event.

 

 

Some holiday 5 April 2009

 

He may well have enjoyed the sun, but club member Vali Brandao obviously decided that laying on the beach all-day wasn't him when he entered the National Veterans (Masters) competition in Portugal!  The under 81 kilos Dan grade walked away with Silver.

 

Bringing home more than a stick of rock! 22 March 2009

 

From the 5 Croydon players who entered the South Coast Senior Open Event and Masters Competition in Worthing last weekend, we gained 4 medals.  Under 60 kilo Bronze medal for James Jeffries who beat Priyanga 'Pre' Perera into 5th place in the senior event.  Green belt Paul Davis won Gold in the under 90 kilo Kyu grade masters.  1st Dan Dan Ruso gained Silver medal in the under 81 kilo masters and Vali Brandao battled through to take the under 90 kilo masters Gold.  Well done gents.

 

One down, one to go! 26 February 2009

 

John Hisee attended the BJC Judo 2009 course in Tamworth last weekend and was unexpectedly given the opportunity to try for his 1st Dan.  John was in great form successfully performing his kata/ syllabus and winning four of his contests by ippon (the highest score in judo representing a knock-out blow) and the fifth given as a superiority win.  He was therefore delighted to be awarded his Dan grade by none other than the president of the  BJC. Mr Otani himself!

 

John was also a little surprised to be informed that he is probably the youngest holder of a Dan grade within the BJC,
and is now intent on attaining his BJA Dan.

 

Backed by the Mayor 10 February 2009 Emma with Mayor

 

Yesterday Croydon member Emma Doherty met with Mayor Boris Johnson, Dame Kelly Holmes and Beijing Bronze Medallist Louis Smith as one of a select group of young “Olympic hopefuls”. 

 

Emma, no stranger to the news pages of this website for her successes, has received financial support for the World Class Start programme thanks to SportAid’s partnership with the Mayor of London.

Emma with Dame Kelly Holmes

Tim Lawler, SportsAid’s Chief Executive said it “it highlights the unique role that we play in helping the right athletes at the right time. It also demonstrates the commitment the city has to supporting the 2012 vision, helping to inspire and encourage young people to get involved in sport.”

 

Mayor Boris Johnson, in addressing the group said he was “proud to be investing in London’s future Olympic stars, who will be the true legacy of the 2012 Games. I admire the extreme determination and discipline of these young sports stars … These are characteristics I want to see in all of London’s young people”.  The Mayor went on to say that “the young people here today are a prime example of the talent that exists across London”; our politicians may not get everything right all of the time, but in this Croydon Judo Club wholeheartedly agrees.  Go Emma!

Click here to visit SportAid's website

It's all kicking off now! 9 February 2009

 

Last weekend (Sunday 1st February) the Surrey BJA hosted two competitions and Donyngs Recreation Centre, Redhill, and Croydon players came home with a number of well deserved medals

 

First up were the Mini Mons - Novice to 6th Mon, the first round of 2009's Millennium League.  For the girls, Niamh Jackson and Sophie Roots walked away with Golds, and Mairead Jackson Silver.  Later on the boys stepped on to the mats, with Clement Li Raphael, James Dawson (who also beat 2 players from the next weight group up!) and Higor Mampuya all winning Golds, and Ben St Clair-Gray taking Bronze.  Colm Murphy also put in a sterling effort and did a fantastic job getting into the second round in his first competition (only getting he's BJA license the day before!).

 

Later on that day the seniors took over the playing area for the Surrey Invitation Senior Blue Belt and Below. Three Golds where awarded to Croydon players; Mukendi Kadima, Ed Trudgell and Phillip Lambert.  Aime Iwondo and Clement Raphael took Silvers and Paul Davis Bronze.

 

Huge congratulations to all.  As ever, forgive (and let me know of) any typos, and if any of you have some photos of the day, please, please email to me.

 

New Year Success 25 January 2009

 

Congratulations to Edgars Polovinkins and Tomas Luckas who both won Gold at the Sussex Open Junior Orange Belt and Under (min-mon) competition in Worthing; a great start to the new year guys.

 

 

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